Monday, 18 March 2013

Following our round table discussions with our school community members, that included parents, teachers, students and our Parish, the processes for developing an authentic Sacred Heart Highgate Digital Drivers License are in place.

The students in year 4 and 5 are currently using a Project Based Learning approach to develop understandings of Digital Citizenship in an authentic way. Examples of student work will be available soon.

The use of Government and other resources are being used to assist the students with inquiry and investigation.

Along with relevant literature, the round table discussion have provided valuable ideas and perspectives that will enhance the meaningful embedding of Digital Citizenship at SHPSH.

Monday, 11 March 2013

The new furniture and classroom space in Years 4 and 5 is proving to be very successful. The feedback from teachers and students is extremely positive and we are seeing the students use the space effectively. The learning can be described as a natural and creative process.

There is certainly more involved than just simply changing the furniture! Teachers have commented on the shift in the way they frame their teaching and learning approaches. The new spaces also allows for enhancement of teaching repertoires. However good planning and providing engaging learning experiences is central to the students thriving. As it is in any classroom.
Flexibility to encourage collaborative as well as individual work in a meaningful way has been well received by teachers and students.

It is not just about the digital devices! While the technology in the room (1:1 MacBook Air) is a positive element to each of the classrooms, our new learning environments can thrive with or without the use of devices. The engagement levels have lifted because of careful planning but also because of an environment conducive to learning and creativity that respects and views each student as a learner. Teacher perspective and mind-set are an important ingredient.

The notion that the classroom is a "Third Teacher" (Reggio approach) and is a "learning ecology" is really exciting.